From Street Vendor to Supercar Collector: Poum Luchoo Exposed by His Lavish Lifestyle
Avinash Luchoo has transformed from a beachside fast-food vendor at Mon-Choisy to leading a life of luxury in just a few years. His collection of supercars, vintage motorcycles, and real estate has caught the attention of the authorities. The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC), along with the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (Adsu), is investigating an alleged money laundering network linked to his activities and those of his cousin and close associate, Harris Bans Greedhur.
The FCC is ramping up its efforts to track down suspected ill-gotten wealth. This week, they targeted a young entrepreneur from the North who displays an ostentatious lifestyle and visible signs of wealth. This individual is Avinash Luchoo, also known as Poum, who has transitioned from a fast-food vendor to a collector of supercars and luxury motorcycles.
In Madame Azor, Goodlands, his meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed. His house, adorned with colorful stone facades, reflects his taste for luxury. His vehicles include a Ford Mustang GT, a Porsche Cayman, an Audi SUV, a Range Rover Vogue, along with Harley-Davidson and Yamaha Cross-Plane motorcycles.
Poum Luchoo is also known for his involvement in the sandalwood trade, a precious and protected wood, which has drawn the attention of the authorities. Over the years, his luxurious lifestyle alongside his wife has raised red flags for the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (Adsu) and the FCC, which are dedicated to combating drug trafficking and illicit enrichment.
On Friday, Avinash Luchoo and his cousin Harris Bans Greedhur were arrested and brought before the court. They are both provisionally charged with money laundering and remain in custody. The FCC is continuing its investigations to dismantle an alleged large-scale money laundering network. Two boats, suspected to belong to the Luchoo clan and acquired through proxies, have been seized: one on the northeast coast and the other at Parc Coson, Roche-Bois. Their total estimated value is Rs 3.5 million. These boats will be transferred to Réduit Triangle for inspection.
On Friday afternoon, Réduit Triangle was also the setting for confronting the Luchoo/Greedhur duo with the assets seized by the commission and the Adsu. Among the items were bottles of alcoholic beverages packed in suitcases, around Rs 12 million in cash, and jewelry. The FCC also plans to examine the seized vehicles, including motorcycles and supercars.
Avinash Luchoo is no stranger to intelligence services. For several months, after closely monitoring his movements and associations, the FCC, in collaboration with the Adsu, has identified signs of a significant money laundering network. Last Thursday's seizures included Rs 12 million in cash, along with foreign currencies, as well as vehicles and luxury goods found at the homes of Bans Greedhur and Avinash Luchoo.
The Luchoo/Greedhur clan is suspected of not handling the goods directly, but rather managing the financial aspects of the transactions. Connections with a network in the north of the island have been established, and the investigation has led to the mentioned seizures. At Bans Greedhur's residence, the FCC seized cash, a BMW, a KIA SUV, and a laptop. At Poum Luchoo's place, Rs 37,000 in cash, three suitcases containing alcoholic beverages and gold jewelry, as well as several luxury vehicles and motorcycles were confiscated.
Cousins Avinash Luchoo and Harris Bans Greedhur remain in custody, while the FCC continues its investigations and plans to interview witnesses to deepen the case.
